Is a Man Facing Murder Charges for a Student's Death?

A tragic incident has unfolded involving the murder of De Montfort University student Khaleed Oladipo, 20, who was fatally stabbed near the university campus in Leicester. An 18-year-old man, Harper Dennis, has been charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon, with a court hearing set for Tuesday. The death of Oladipo has prompted an outpouring of grief from his family and the university community.

Last updated: 28 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The recent stabbing of Khaleed Oladipo has sent shockwaves through the De Montfort University community and the wider Leicester area. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening at approximately 17:00 GMT on Oxford Street, close to the university campus. Emergency services responded promptly, but unfortunately, Oladipo succumbed to his injuries later that evening. Following the incident, Harper Dennis was arrested and charged with murder, alongside two additional counts of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, which police indicated are unrelated to the murder investigation. Dennis's initial court appearance took place at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Saturday, and he is scheduled for a subsequent hearing at Leicester Crown Court on Tuesday.

Key takeaways

Khaleed Oladipo, a 20-year-old student, was fatally stabbed near De Montfort University.
Harper Dennis, 18, has been charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, with a police investigation underway.

Timeline: how we got here

Here is a brief timeline of events surrounding the tragic stabbing of Khaleed Oladipo:

24 October 2023 (17:00 GMT): Police received reports of a stabbing on Oxford Street, Leicester.
24 October 2023 (evening): Khaleed Oladipo was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries.
27 October 2023: Harper Dennis appeared at Leicester Magistrates' Court, facing charges of murder.
31 October 2023: Next court hearing scheduled at Leicester Crown Court.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest developments include the charging of Harper Dennis with murder and the announcement of his court dates. His charges also include possession of an offensive weapon, contributing to the ongoing investigation by Leicestershire Police.

What was already established

Prior to the recent news, the incident had already raised concerns about safety in the area, particularly given that it occurred close to a university campus. Khaleed Oladipo was remembered fondly by his family, who expressed their grief over the loss of a loved one who was dedicated to his studies in cyber-security.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The tragic incident has heightened concerns about safety in public spaces, particularly around university campuses. Students and their families may feel increased anxiety regarding safety, leading to discussions about security measures and community support systems. The university has emphasised its commitment to student wellbeing through direct support initiatives.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses near De Montfort University may experience a temporary decline in foot traffic due to safety concerns. The incident may prompt university authorities to collaborate with local businesses to enhance security measures and improve the environment for students and visitors alike.

Policy and regulation

This incident may also spark discussions among local authorities and university administrations about the need for better safety policies and regulations, particularly in terms of crime prevention and community safety initiatives. There may be calls for increased police presence and community outreach to reassure students and residents.

Numbers that matter

2: The number of charges against Harper Dennis related to possession of an offensive weapon.
20: The age of Khaleed Oladipo, highlighting the tragic loss of a young life.
1: Number of court appearances made by Harper Dennis as of now, with more expected.

Definitions and jargon buster

Murder: The unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another.
Possession of an offensive weapon: The illegal carrying or ownership of a weapon that is intended for use in causing harm.
Magistrates' Court: A lower court where minor criminal cases are heard, often before a magistrate.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the focus will be on the upcoming court hearing for Harper Dennis. The community will be watching closely for updates regarding the legal proceedings and any developments in the investigation.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the investigation progresses, there may be a push for stronger safety measures in the community, especially around educational institutions. The university may implement more robust support systems for students affected by this incident.

Signals to watch

Updates from the court hearings regarding Harper Dennis's case.
Statements from De Montfort University about new safety initiatives.
Community reactions and any changes in police presence in university areas.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about local safety measures and resources available for students.
Engage with community discussions about safety and support initiatives.
Utilise university support services if feeling anxious or affected by the incident.

Don’t

Don’t ignore feelings of anxiety or distress; seek help if needed.
Don’t engage in speculation about the case; await official updates.
Don’t hesitate to report any concerning behaviour or incidents to authorities.

Checklist

Review safety protocols in personal and public spaces.
Familiarise yourself with university support services available.
Stay connected with peers for support and community engagement.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the investigation is ongoing, details surrounding the case may change. It is important to remain cautious about spreading unverified information. The legal process may take time, and outcomes can vary significantly based on evidence presented in court.

Bottom line

The stabbing of Khaleed Oladipo has left a profound impact on the De Montfort University community and raised concerns about safety in Leicester. As the legal proceedings unfold, it is crucial for students and residents to stay informed and engage with local safety initiatives.

FAQs

What happened to Khaleed Oladipo?

Khaleed Oladipo, a 20-year-old student, was fatally stabbed near De Montfort University and later died in hospital.

Who has been charged in Oladipo's murder?

Harper Dennis, an 18-year-old man, has been charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

What is the next step in the legal process?

The next court hearing for Harper Dennis is scheduled for Tuesday at Leicester Crown Court.